Perhaps you are currently giving your look a little upgrade and wanting to pair your loyal Apple Watch to a new iPhone, or you just want to change. Maybe you want to pass on your old watch to a friend who has been jealous of your stylish gadget for a long time. No matter what your drive is - decoupling your Apple Watch is an important process that should run smoothly.
We at wristrist love ours Apple Watch braceletsthat underline the timeless design of the Apple watch, but we also know that the technology behind it can sometimes be a small mystery. That is why, as experts for everything that rocks on the wrist, we have put together this comprehensive guide for you. We want to show you how to separate your smartwatch safely and completely from your iPhone so that you can devote yourself to the next adventure without worry.
We dive deep into the settings and step-by-step instructions so that you know exactly what to do. Don't worry, it's easier than you think! Let us make sure that your data is protected, the activation lock will be lifted smoothly and you are ready for the next chapter.
In seven steps to decoupled condition
So that you can get a quick overview, we have summarized the most important points. Details for each individual step can be found in the following body text.
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Preparation is everything: Make sure that your Apple Watch and your iPhone are close together and both are charged.
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Starte den Entkoppelungs-Vorgang: Öffne die Watch-App auf deinem iPhone und navigiere zum richtigen Modell deiner Uhr.
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Remove mobile phone tariff: Choose with a device with a cellular function whether you want to keep or delete your mobile phone tariff.
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Deactivate activation lock: Enter your password for your Apple ID to remove the activation lock and release the watch for a new owner.
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Have the backup created: Your iPhone automatically creates a backup of your Apple Watch data before deleting the content.
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Reset the device to factory settings: This process deletes all data and settings and brings your watch back to the delivery state.
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Special case: Unlollen without iPhone: If you do not have your iPhone at hand, you can also reset the watch directly via the settings on the device.
Die Einleitung: Warum das Entkoppeln mehr als nur ein Knopfdruck ist
Imagine your Apple Watch is a loyal companion. You have already experienced so many adventures that motivated you to do more sports and that helped you to keep an overview in everyday life. She brought your most important notifications directly to your wrist and maybe even noticed one or the other fall. With a wrist bracelet, she even underlined your personality. But now there is a change. You change the iPhone or want to sell the watch. The emotional bond is there, and therefore it is important to say goodbye to respect and care.
This process is not only technical, but also symbolic. You delete the data of your personal journey that your device has collected over time. It is about putting everything back to factory settings so that the watch is ready for a new, empty side. And that is exactly the science behind the decoupling: it is a clean cut that ensures that your privacy is preserved and the activation lock is removed that is coupled to your ID. An incomplete decoupling can cause the watch to be unusable for the next owner. That is why we accompany you through every single step so that you can master this process confidently and with ease.
This is how you decoupled your Apple Watch: The detailed instructions
The simplest and safest way to decouple your Apple Watch is on your iPhone. This is the recommended step because it automatically creates a backup of your content and cancel the important activation lock for your Apple ID.
Disconnect with the iPhone: the royal path
This process is so simple that it is almost fun. It is basically a quick dance between your watch and your iPhone. Make sure that both devices are in close proximity and there is a connection.
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Open the watch app: You can find the "Watch" app on your iPhone. Open them. It is the command center for your device on the wrist.
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Select the correct device: In the app you can see the "My Watch" tab. At the top you will find the "All Apple Watches" option. Choose this menu item to see a list of all watches that are coupled to your ID.
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The "I" for information: In addition to the name of your watch, you will see a small circle with an "I" for information. Tap on it to get into the details of your device.
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Remove the big one: Here you will find the "Apple Watch decouple" option. Tap on it and your iPhone will ask you to confirm this process. Another click on "decoupling" is the confirmation that you are ready to release your watch into freedom.
The mobile phone tariff check
If you have a model with GPS and cellular, you will be asked at this point if you want to remove or keep your mobile phone tariff.
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Keep: Choose this option if you plan to couple your watch with a new iPhone that uses the same tariff. This is the ideal choice if you just want to reset the watch to fix a problem.
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Remove: Choose this option if you want to sell the watch or pass it on to another person who uses a different mobile phone tariff.
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The magical activation lock Now comes the crucial part for the safety of your watch. Your iPhone asks you to enter the password of your Apple ID. This is not an optional step! It is the confirmation that removes the activation lock from your device. The lock remains active without this step and no one else can use the watch.
As soon as you have entered the password, the process begins. Your iPhone creates a backup of your watch content and then deletes all data on the device. You see the progress bar on how to put the clock back on factory settings.
If the iPhone is missing: decouple the clock directly
Sometimes you don't have your iPhone on hand. Maybe it broke or you just forgot. In this case too, you can reset the watch to factory settings. Important: The activation lock is not removed during this process and no backup is created. The next owner needs your Apple ID and your password to couple the device.
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The settings app on the watch: Open the settings app directly on your Apple Watch. You can find them as a small gear symbol on the home screen.
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General and reset: Scroll down and tap the "General" option. In this menu you will find the item "Reset". Tap on it.
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Delete content & settings: Now you will see an option called "Delete content & setting". Tap on it. If your watch is secured with a code, you have to enter it now.
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Mobile phone tariff check (if applicable): As with decoupling via the iPhone, you will be asked for a cellular model whether you want to keep or remove your tariff. Tap "Delete everything" to confirm the process.
Your watch is now reset to the factory settings. The process only takes a few minutes and you see the progress on the screen.
A look behind the scenes: what happens when decoupling?
The process of decoupling is more than just deleting data. It is a well thought -out system developed by Apple to ensure your security. If you decoupled the clock via your iPhone, both devices communicate with each other. Your iPhone sends the command to delete all content on the watch and at the same time remove the activation lock from your Apple ID. The activation lock is a security function that prevents someone who steals your watch with a new iPhone.
The backup is also a critical step. Your iPhone automatically creates a backup of all your watch settings, apps and data in your iCloud. This means that if you decide to link a new Apple Watch, you can use this backup to quickly restore all of your settings. It is one of the options that make switching to a new device so seamless.
What to do after decoupling
After your watch has been successfully reset to factory settings and the process is completed, you will see the welcome screen. Now you can pair the clock again or pass it on to someone else. If you give them to someone else, make sure that you do not need your password for the Apple ID to avoid the activation lock. A decoupled device should start directly with an empty screen for the next owner.
We know how important it is that everything is going perfectly. If you decoupled your Apple Watch, you have the perfect opportunity to renew your look too. Whether for your old or a new model, we have the right bracelets that perfectly underline the timeless design of your watch. Remember that we do not sell “original” bracelets from manufacturers at WRIST, but rather high-quality, stylish alternatives that become a real statement with the right bracelet.
Conclusion: A new journey begins
It is a simple but important process to decouple the Apple Watch. It protects your personal content and enables a smooth transition to a new device or a new owner. With this guide you are well prepared to go confidently. Trust us, it feels good to know that you have full control over your devices.
We celebrate people who stand for variety and quality. We are convinced that your Apple Watch is not just a device, but part of your personality. And if the clock changes, we have the right bracelet to make it look even better. We wish you a wonderful journey, no matter where your path leads you.
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